Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

The guard heaved a sigh of frustration. “It will be done, My Lord.”

The door to Lousis’ chambers opened and Mohanisi stepped out. “The king will live. Though it may be a few days until he is fully recovered. He was moments from death, and even my skill has limits.”

This brought cries of relief from the guards.

“Say nothing to anyone,” ordered Theopolou. “Tell the council I wish to speak to them. I will await them in the council chambers in one hour.”

“Not to offend, my lord,” said an older guard. “But the council may not honor your request. They are a prideful bunch, and not all of them care much for elves.”

Theopolou smiled. “If they refuse, then threaten to drag them to the chamber by the scruff of their necks.” He could see the look of fear in the guard’s eyes. Clearly the idea of threatening royalty disturbed him. “The king nearly died, and it is very possible one of the other kings and queens had a hand in it. I swear, you will not be punished if you must become…insistent.”

The guard smiled devilishly, then marched down the hall.

“Do you really think one of them had something to do with this?” asked Ertik.

“No,” Theopolou replied. “But I am well aware that the allies of King Halmara fear such an accusation. I cannot undo what has been done to the king. But I can use it to our advantage.”

“How do you propose to do that?” asked Mohanisi.

“With your assistance,” Theopolou replied. “We must show them our strength. And most of all, we must help them unite.”

An hour later, the council filed into the chamber. Mohanisi stood behind Theopolou as they watched them take their seats. The kings and queens had looks of both anger and concern.

King Victis of Tarvansia spoke first. “What right have you to summon us?”

“You ask me this after what has happened?” said Theopolou, not hiding an accusing tone.

“What are you suggesting?” King Victis' nostrils flared.

“I suggest nothing,” Theopolou replied. “Only that King Lousis is poisoned, and someone is responsible.”

“It's obvious who is responsible,” said Victis. “King Halmara is the only one absent.”

“That is true,” Theopolou agreed. “But it begs the question…did he act alone?”

“You think to call us here to accuse us?” Victis shouted, angrily. “How dare you! You are not a ruler of these lands. What right does an elf have to be so bold?”

Prince Loniel spoke. “King Victis, perhaps you should ask if King Lousis still lives. That is the first question I would have answered, and what weighs most heavily on my heart.”

“And if he does not?” asked Theopolou. “Will you march under the banner of King Halmara?”

Prince Loniel leveled his gaze. “My father has long been a friend to King Lousis. Were it not for his ill health he would be here, and his first question would be about the well-being of his dear friend. But to answer your question. If Lousis dies, we may have no choice. We are not blind to the strength of Angraal, nor are we the fools you may think us to be. Without Althetas, how can we resist such an enemy?

“King Lousis has no heir. His passing will throw the city into chaos. If the Reborn King would have our lands, would not that be the time to take them? Who will stand against him? What resistance could we offer? We have no standing armies. Will the elves save us, as you claim? With how many swords will you do this? Ten-thousand?” He laughed sarcastically. “By the words of your own ally, we would need a hundred times that.”

“There is more to war than swords,” said Theopolou. “And victory is claimed by those who have the will to take it. If Angraalmarches on this land, it will not find simpering cowards, but a free people, fighting to protect their love and land. If the King of Althetas has died, will you simply hand over your freedom? The king has been poisoned. Do you really think those who poisoned him will not take what is yours by force?” He motioned for Mohanisi to step forward. “But you are right that we must possess the weapons to combat such a foe. I tell you that we possess strength the armies of Angraalhas yet to account for.”

Mohanisi held out his palms and a ball of flame appeared a few inches above them. Gradually, it grew, and the heat became more and more intense. The members of the council leaped from their seats and bolted for the door. The flame shot out from Mohanisi's hand barring their way.

“You have nothing to fear,” said Theopolou. “Please be calm.”

Mohanisi allowed the flame to die.

The council returned to their seats. They all stared fearfully at Mohanisi. Prince Loniel was the only one who seemed undaunted by the display.

“And this one elf will defeat these vast armies?” asked Prince Loniel.

Theopolou smiled. He liked the young prince. “No. Not alone. But know that you are not without great power on your side.”

Queen Illirial spoke. “I have been a friend to King Lousis. And I do not wish to be under the thumb of King Halmara. But if Lousis dies, you are still left without the ruler of the most powerful of all the twelve city states. The people will not accept the rule of any of us, and they certainly won't follow an elf ruler.”

“Then you must form an alliance now,” said Theopolou. “Your unity will galvanize the people of Althetas. Should the king die, there are worthy lords that could take up the mantle. You could lend your strength to this city. You could give hope to those who would otherwise despair.”

“And what role will the elves play in all this?” asked Loniel.

“We defend our homes, our lives, and our children,” Theopolou replied. “We have lived among you for more generations than can be counted. And though we have been separated by fear and hatred, we intend for that to end. Already, elf and man has spilled blood together. We have fought side by side and faced death as brothers. Understand that I was against this before your grandmother’s were children. If I can change, then so can you. Elf and man live in this world together, and we will rise or fall…together. You ask what our role will be. Our role is to create a new world…together.” He rose to his feet. “Those of you who will join me in this cause stand with me now. Those who will not…” He paused and held his hand to the door. “Your presence is no longer required.”

One by one the kings and queens stood up.

“Then I leave you to your plans,” said Theopolou.

“Will you not stay?” asked Queen Illirial.

“I cannot,” he replied. “But Ertik speaks now for my people, until our elders arrive.”

Ertik looked at Theopolou, shocked. “My Lord…”

Theopolou turned and faced him, and took his hands. “You have my confidence, Ertik. If I am to stand by what I say, I must trust in my own words. You are to be the voice of the elves, whilst I am away.” He smiled warmly. “If you need aid, there are elves here that can assist you until Lord Chiron or one of the others arrive.”

Ertik stared, stunned. Finally, he bowed his head and returned to his chair.

“Before you leave,” said Queen Illirial, “I wonder, did you intend to tell us that King Lousis still lives?” Her face slowly twisted into a smile.

“As you were able to find this out on your own,” replied Theopolou, “it would appear that is unnecessary.”

Theopolou bowed and left, Mohanisi just behind him.

“I noticed you did not mention Shivis Mol,” said Mohanisi.

“That is not for me,” said Theopolou, “and I think it would have done more harm than good. These people fear for their lands and family. It is enough that a vast army intends to wreak havoc. Should I tell them their very souls are at stake as well?”